Remembering Santa Bud Kline: A Portrait Art Tribute

To purchase a fine art portrait, ornament or other keepsake of Santa, Bud Kline, please follow this link to our online store https://snipsandsnailsphotography.pic-time.com/-santafineartshop/gallery

Items will be drop shipped. A portion of the proceeds will go to Santa’s family.

Santa, a.k.a. Bud Kline, a Hagerstown, Maryland treasure, served the community and surrounding areas for over 57 years. I had the pleasure of photographing Santa for over 14 years and watched the twinkle in his eye as he worked his magic with all the children. His quiet demeanor worked well with the children who were a bit timid and shy as they approached to sit on his lap. He had a true gift to communicate with children of all ages, sometimes with no words spoken at all.

Mr. Kline adopted his Santa persona in 1966, selling Christmas trees at a self-owned gas station. “Bud” brought smiles and love to generations while visiting hospitals, churches, homes and community events. He starred in parades and even operated his own Santa Village alongside his wife Doris, known of course as Mrs. Claus. For many, it just was not Christmas until there was a visit with the real Santa, Bud Kline!

May you rest in peace dear Santa. Your dutiful blessings on earth are complete. Yet, your love for the community and children will live on into eternity. I am grateful I was able to watch from the sidelines and capture just a glimpse of your magic. Little did I know many years ago when I myself sat on your lap as a child at Longmeadow Shopping Center, that not only were you Santa, but you would also become a dear friend and family.